The Airbus H145 D3 is the latest and most advanced variant of the proven H145 light twin-engine helicopter series, offering improved performance, reduced operating costs, and expanded mission capability. Developed by Airbus Helicopters, the H145 platform traces its lineage back to the MBB/Kawasaki BK117, first flown in 1979, and was later evolved into the EC145 and H145 family.
The D3 variant, introduced in 2020, marked a significant redesign with the integration of a five-blade main rotor system. This rotor system reduces vibration, increases useful load by approximately 330 pounds, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for a rotor mast dampener. The H145 D3 retains the same compact footprint and low noise signature, which makes it especially suited for urban operations.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the H145 D3 delivers a maximum cruise speed of approximately 129 knots and a range of up to 335 nautical miles. Its high-set tail boom and wide sliding doors enable fast and flexible loading for medical, law enforcement, or utility missions.
The cabin accommodates up to 10 passengers in a high-density configuration or 8 in a more spacious executive layout. With a total cabin volume of approximately 143 cubic feet, it offers ample space for medical equipment, cargo, or VIP seating. The flat floor and modular interior support rapid reconfiguration between mission types.
Since its production start in 2020, the H145 D3 has been selected by operators worldwide for EMS, police, offshore, and corporate transport roles. Its combination of reduced vibration, increased payload, and lower maintenance requirements has made it a standout successor in the H145 family.
